Ruben Amorim has sent a concerning message to Andre Onana after the Manchester United goalkeeper was only named on the bench on his return from injury against Fulham
16:34, 24 Aug 2025
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim sent a message to Andre Onana(Image: MUTV)
Ruben Amorim has defended his decision to select Altay Bayindir over Andre Onana for the clash against Fulham, insisting he has chosen "the best players to win the game".
Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal last weekend, with Bayindir bearing responsibility for the defeat. The Turkish keeper made a mess of attempting to punch clear an Arsenal corner, yet Amorim has stuck with Bayindir for the Fulham encounter whilst leaving Onana on the bench.
Following his recovery from a hamstring problem, Onana managed just three training sessions before the season opener.
Nevertheless, he was left out of the squad entirely against Arsenal and has had to accept a substitute's role upon his comeback.
Amorim explained to Sky Sports: "It's the same kind of decision a manager has to do. I try to see the game, I try to imagine the next game. I try to put the best players to win the game. So I did that."
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 8: Andre Onana of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Athletic Club at Old Trafford on May 8, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Andre Onana was named as a substitute against Fulham(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
United's manager has also included Benjamin Sesko amongst the substitutes at Craven Cottage, opting to start with Mason Mount again over the new £73.7million signing.
Amorim added: "We try to imagine what is going to happen during the game. Our game needs to be consistent, the way we control the game. We need to have options to play a different game from the bench.
"Sesko has had two weeks with us so it's trying to understand everything. I try to understand how these small things are for the player.
ANTWERPEN, BELGIUM - JULY 25: Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp FC during the Jupiler Pro League match between Royal Antwerp FC and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at Bosuilstadion on July 25, 2025 in Antwerpen, Belgium. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
United are closing in on the signing of Senne Lammens(Image: BSR Agency, Getty Images)
"I talk to the players often and sometimes we need to wait a little bit in order to help the player. We just want to win the game."
Meanwhile, United are eyeing a move for Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp ahead of the transfer deadline, casting further uncertainty over the futures of Bayindir and Onana at Old Trafford.
Article continues below
The 23-year-old was notably absent from Royal Antwerp's league match against Mechelen on Sunday as a move to Old Trafford appears to be moving closer.